DETROIT—As Michigan sizzles—its cities of Pontiac, Saginaw, Flint, and Detroit burn. These cities represent, along with others, the face of industry—past. Gone are the mega-plants responsible for outfitting the world with efficient mass production methods. They are replaced by the new order—technology. What human hands used to be paid for, electronic machines produce faster without wages or benefits. Offshore outsourcing continues, but the foundation of the new economy is built on a new paradigm. The American worker is given a message that is hard to swallow—learn to live on less.
Some have been looking for work unsuccessfully for years. Unemployment rates fall because benefits are exhausted. Where 100 were once needed, today 20 will do. Tomorrow, where 20 were needed, 5 will do. Recent “Right To Work” laws passed in this blue-collar state have sent shock waves from the mighty Lake Superior in the north, to the free-flowing Lake Erie in the south. Our way of life is changing.
Certain protections afforded by organized labor have been stripped as labor stood silent while it’s ranks dwindled. Remember…”they came for the trade unionists, but I was not one of them so I said nothing. Then they came for the welfare mothers, but I was not one of them, so I said nothing. Then they came for the Muslims, but I was not one of them, so I said nothing. Then one day, there was a knock on my door, but there was no one left to fight for and with me…”
Detroit is surrounded by the largest source of fresh water in the nation. We represent commerce flowing from Canada to the U.S. and on to foreign markets by way of these God-given Great Lakes. Every effort possible to privatize access to water is underway. Using the ploy of economic infusion to help failing communities, we find ourselves immersed in a campaign to convince us that water is a commodity, is to be sold. WRONG! Fresh water is to be safeguarded as a common trust for the people it nourishes.
“Right To Work” is the latest salvo and a cover for snatching worker rights away under the notion that our state will be better off if our rights are taken and our standard of living ratcheted down. It is dark here in Michigan, but people of faith never give up as we know the light is there.
The fight for freedom continues! Colleagues in Benton Harbor are in full combat for freedom where Lake Michigan glistens. We are engaged in struggles in Escanaba where Lake Superior rises. We are on the march in Twining near the thumb, where Lake Huron rumbles. Pushbacks against these draconian laws are in full swing in Monroe County where Lake Erie calls out for justice. We are in hand-to-hand combat in Detroit and places close by where the waters of Lake St. Clair refreshes our courage and replenishes our spirit. The heart of labor still beats for justice, organized religion still calls out for peace, welfare mothers are demanding housing for all, and students are actively taking hold of society as we start to describe and define what the new society must look like. Organize, organize, organize—that is the way out!
Maureen D. Taylor is State Chairperson, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization
